🔌 BC Hydro Launches Call for Private Wind and Solar Power Producers 🔆 

For the first time in 15 years, BC Hydro is inviting bids from the private sector to address the growing demand for electricity in British Columbia. Crown Corporation announced that it needs an additional 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of 270,000 homes or a million electric vehicles. 

Key Points: 

• Increasing Demand: Demand is forecasted to increase by 15% by 2030, necessitating strategic planning to ensure a continued supply of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. 
• Renewable Energy: BC Hydro is seeking proposals for large-scale wind and solar projects, with capacities ranging from 40 to 200 megawatts, aiming to add 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually by 2028. 
• First Nations Ownership: Successful bids must include a minimum of 25% First Nations ownership, aligning with the goal of fostering economic reconciliation. 
• Resilience and Sustainability: Diversification of the energy mix aims to make the energy system more resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions. 
• Economic Impact: Anticipated to generate between $2.3 billion and $3.6 billion in private capital spending and create between 800 and 1,500 jobs annually, contributing to both economic growth and sustainability in the province. 

BC Hydro launches call for private wind, solar power producers to feed grid 

By Simon Little  Global News 

Posted April 3, 2024, 5:50 pm EST 

2 min read: 

***Video Link***  

For the first time in 15 years, BC Hydro is calling on the private sector to bid on projects to meet the province’s growing need for electricity.   

Crown Corporation said Wednesday that it needs another 3,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of 270,000 homes or a million electric vehicles. “Demand is forecast to increase by 15 per cent between now and 2030,” Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne said. “Our job in government and BC Hydro’s job is to plan for the future and ensure that we can continue to supply clean, reliable and affordable electricity that people and businesses need.” The utility is calling for the construction of large-scale wind and solar projects, producing between 40 and 200 megawatts, that could be online as early as 2028.  

BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O’Reilly said the competitive process will take a bid’s location and what time of year they produce power into account. “The call for power launching today is one of the most important initiatives we currently have underway,” he said. “It’s a key step to increasing electrification and supporting a growing economy and population across British Columbia, and it will help us ensure that we continue to provide clean, affordable power for generations to come.” Successful bids will also need to have a minimum of 25 per cent First Nations ownership, with the aim of supporting “meaningful economic reconciliation.” First Nations will have access to loans through the Canada Infrastructure Bank to help them buy into the projects, he said.  

The current call for bids will be the first in a series, launching every two years. “Each successive call will be tailored to the system’s needs at the time of the call’s design, depending on our projected needs at that point in time,” O’Reilly said. The move comes as BC Hydro seeks to diversify its energy mix. About 87 per cent of electricity in B.C. is currently generated by hydroelectricity, but a multi-year drought has raised concerns about future generating capacity in dry conditions. Last year, the utility was forced to import power due to low reservoir levels.  

“We know B.C. will continue to see more extreme weather conditions in the years to come and that is why it is important we diversify how we produce electricity by bringing more wind and solar onto the grid, the costs of which have declined dramatically over the past years,” Osborne said. “This will make our energy system more resilient in the years to come.” The province estimates the new power projects will generate between $2.3 billion and $3.6 billion in private capital spending and create between 800 and 1,500 jobs annually. The call for new power sources is in addition to BC Hydro’s own 10-year capital plan, which earmarks $36 billion to expand transmission lines to mines in B.C.’s northwest, build new substations and lines to housing developments and upgrade infrastructure provincewide.  

In Summary, BC Hydro’s recent announcement marks a significant shift as, for the first time in 15 years, they are inviting bids from the private sector to address the growing demand for electricity in British Columbia. With a projected increase in demand by 15% by 2030, Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the importance of planning for the future to ensure a continued supply of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The call for bids specifically targets the construction of large-scale wind and solar projects, aiming to add 3,000-gigawatt hours of electricity annually by 2028. Notably, successful bids must include a minimum of 25% First Nations ownership, aligning with the goal of fostering economic reconciliation. This initiative not only seeks to diversify BC Hydro’s energy mix but also aims to make the energy system more resilient in the face of extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it is anticipated to generate significant private capital spending and create hundreds to thousands of jobs annually, contributing to both economic growth and sustainability in the province. 

Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/10400506/bc-hydro-private-power-call/amp 

Read MoreSource: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/01/16/news/empowering-communities-and-fossil-fuel-workers-go-green (more…)

Construction of largest solar facility in Saskatchewan set for 2025

Enhancing Strata Living with Convenient Electric Vehicle Charging

In a significant move, the British Columbia government has introduced new rules that streamline the process for homeowners within strata developments to request electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These regulations, effective immediately, provide clarity on the procedure for homeowners to make such requests and set specific timelines for strata corporations to respond.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon emphasized the importance of ensuring that the absence of EV charging access should not deter individuals from choosing strata living, often considered a more affordable housing option. These regulations align with the province’s commitment to accelerating the transition to zero-emission and electric vehicles.

Key Highlights with “Power My Home”:

1. Response Timeline: The regulations establish a specific timeline within which strata corporations must respond to a homeowner’s request for an EV charging station. This ensures a prompt and efficient process, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
2. Exclusive Parking Permissions: Strata now has the authority to grant an owner exclusive use of a parking stall for up to five years if the installation of an EV charging station is in response to the owner’s request. This ensures convenient and dedicated parking for EV owners.
3. Supporting Clean Energy Solutions with “Power My Home”: The regulations mandate strata to obtain an electrical planning report to prepare for necessary upgrades to accommodate low-carbon energy solutions, including EV charging. This move aligns with the recent legislation aimed at expediting the adoption of clean-energy vehicles. Explore more about clean energy at Power My Home.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, highlighted that the surge in electric vehicle adoption in British Columbia necessitates such proactive measures. B.C. passed legislation last month to expedite the transition to zero-emission and electric vehicles.

Electrical Planning Reports:

The regulations require strata to obtain an electrical planning report to facilitate upgrades for low-carbon energy solutions, including EV charging infrastructure. This proactive approach enables strata corporations to plan for associated costs and operations linked to the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Voting Threshold Adjustment:

Part of Bill 22, the Strata Property Amendment Act, introduces a reduction in the voting threshold from three-quarters to a majority for approving decisions related to EV charging equipment.

Regional Implementation:

The deadlines for obtaining electrical planning reports are being phased in over three years. Strata in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Greater Victoria are expected to have reports by late 2026, while other areas have until late 2028.

These regulations reflect a balanced solution, according to Tony Gioventu, CEO of the Condominium Home Owners Association, addressing the needs of owners desiring electric vehicles and charging facilities.

For more information about B.C.’s EV charger rebate program, visit goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca

Or email us at [email protected]

Welcome to the world of Solar Microgrids, where the sun becomes the driving force behind powering homes, businesses, and farms. In this article, we’ll unravel the concept of Solar Microgrids, their applications, and the transformative impact they bring to communities.

What is a Solar Microgrid?

Solar Microgrids are integrated networks or ‘grids’ of power, functioning much like the shared electricity networks used by you and your neighbors. The key difference lies in the source of energy – solar power. This innovative system captures, stores, and distributes clean electricity to entire communities through the installation of large, high-quality solar panels and batteries in a central location, often referred to as a ‘hub.’ This hub, securely housed beneath the solar panels, completes the microgrid by connecting electrical wiring to nearby houses, businesses, and farms.

The solar microgrid operates similarly to conventional power sources, with the central hub providing on-demand electricity to connected users. Families pay either a flat usage fee or a metered bill, contributing to the collective fund managed by an elected committee of community members. These funds are then utilized for future repairs or expansions of the network.

Solar Microgrids have proven successful in powering homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, irrigation pumps, street lights, and more. In Kenya alone, we have installed 10 solar microgrids with a combined capacity of 25.42 kW, bringing reliable, clean electricity to over 3,000 people.

Where is the Solar Microgrid Appropriate?

Solar Microgrids present a robust solution for rural electrification, particularly in remote communities without access to existing infrastructure. Ideal for small islands, mountainous regions, and remote rural areas, these microgrids thrive in regions with ample sunshine. Storage capabilities enable them to operate even during periods of sparse sunlight, making them versatile and reliable.

The scalability of Solar Microgrids is noteworthy. Systems range from 1.5 kW, supporting 25 homes and 5 businesses, to larger systems with capacities of up to 15 kW, catering to hundreds of households and small businesses. As communities grow, the microgrid can be seamlessly expanded to accommodate more users.

How Does the Solar Microgrid Work?

While Solar Microgrids hold immense potential as a renewable energy solution, their sustainability hinges on community involvement, training, and cooperation. At the heart of our approach is placing communities in control, working hand-in-hand with them from the inception to create a long-term vision and management plan. Discover more about our collaborative journey with communities as partners.

Join us in the solar revolution, where communities are empowered, and sustainable energy becomes a shared reality. Explore Power My Home and Energy Economics for more insights. Ready to embrace solar energy? Take the first step at www.powermyhome.ca.

BC Hydro will move forward with a call for new sources of renewable, emission-free electricity to power British Columbia’s growing clean economy and create new jobs throughout the province.

The call is expected to launch in spring 2024.

In addition, the Province is providing $140 million to the B.C Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support Indigenous-led power projects, create economic opportunities for First Nations, and advance community self-determination.

“As we face the threat of a record fire season across Canada, the need to switch to clean power to fight climate change has never felt more urgent. The good news is that from electric cars to electrified heavy industry, British Columbians are taking action,” said Premier David Eby. “To guarantee the affordable power for this important transition, we’re working in partnership with First Nations and BC Hydro to generate more of the clean electricity that British Columbia needs to build our economy, and grow our role as a clean-energy superpower.”

Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. This is due to economic and population growth, and as more homes, businesses and industries switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity. In the past six years, the number of electric vehicles on B.C.’s roads has increased by nearly 2,000%.

Updated demand forecasts filed by BC Hydro with the B.C. Utilities Commission today confirm that new sources of electricity will be required sooner than previously expected. To ensure that it’s ready to procure new power supply, BC Hydro is moving forward with the development of a competitive process to acquire more clean electricity. This will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects.

BC Hydro will only acquire 100% clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar. The call for power process will be designed by BC Hydro and the Province following engagement with First Nations, industry and stakeholders. The engagement will include development of options regarding minimum requirements for Indigenous participation in new projects. The newly formed BC Hydro task force will also provide strategic advice.

The BC Hydro task force draws on further Indigenous and external energy experts to provide strategic advice on advancing Indigenous ownership and/or equity interest opportunities. The task force has three key priorities:

• speed of permitting and delivery;
• oversight to protect ratepayers and enable economic and climate priorities; and
• identifying, enabling and accelerating economic opportunities.

Over the next 12 months, the task force will focus on identifying and implementing short- and medium-term actions that can advance these priorities.

“First Nations are key partners as we work to power B.C.’s growing clean economy with clean, renewable electricity,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Funding for the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative will open up new opportunities for First Nations in clean-energy projects, including wind and solar, create local jobs, and support Indigenous self-determination.”

The Province’s $140 million contribution to the BCICEI will support smaller Indigenous-led power projects that may otherwise not be competitive due to their smaller size.

The BCICEI is a clean-energy funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and the New Relationship Trust. It provides support and capacity-building funds to First Nations communities toward the planning and implementation of clean-energy projects. The BCICEI is administered by the New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that delivers federal and provincially funded programs in support of Indigenous capacity development and reconciliation.

BC Hydro expects to initiate a call for power in spring 2024 in order to acquire new sources of electricity as early as 2028. This may be followed by subsequent calls as the transition to clean energy continues to accelerate, and BC Hydro requires additional resources in order to electrify B.C.’s growing economy and meet the province’s climate targets.

Quick Facts:

• BC Hydro gets 98% of its power generation from clean or renewable resources, making BC Hydro the leader in North America when it comes to clean energy.
• BC Hydro’s residential electricity rates are also the second lowest in North America.
• Zero-emission vehicles represented 18.1% of new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in B.C. in 2022, the highest percentage for any province or territory, and well ahead of CleanBC targets.
• The number of registered light-duty electric vehicles rose from 5,000 in 2016 to more than 100,000 today – a 1,900% increase in the past six years.
• There are approximately 200,000 heat pumps installed in BC Hydro residential customer homes. This is equivalent to about 10% of homes.
• The BCICEI has delivered $26 million to support more than 100 Indigenous clean-energy projects in B.C. since 2016.
• In 2021-22, Canada provided a $6.4-million top-up to the BCICEI.
• In 2022-23, Canada renewed the BCICEI for 2022-23 and 2023-24 with an additional $3.6 million.

Learn More:

To read BC Hydro’s 2021 Integrated Resource Plan, including recent updates, visit: www.bchydro.com/cleanpower2040

To follow the B.C. Utilities Commission review of the Integrated Resource Plan, visit: https://www.bcuc.com/OurWork/Proceedings

For more information on the New Relationship Trust and the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, visit: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/

To meet the members of the new BC Hydro Task Force and learn about its work, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/BCHydroTaskForce

Three backgrounders follow.

———————————

Backgrounds:

Independent power projects from BC Hydro (Link to Source below)

Source: https://www.bchydro.com/work-with-us/selling-clean-energy/meeting-energy-needs.html

Introduction: Commercial solar, often referred to as C&I solar (Commercial and Industrial scale), occupies a unique position within the solar industry, distinct from its residential and utility-scale counterparts. While this sector has faced challenges, signs point to significant growth, making it a space worth exploring. In this article, we provide an overview of commercial solar, discussing its diverse customer base, project sizes, and the factors influencing its expansion. Join us on a journey through the complexities and opportunities in this dynamic sector, with a focus on Power My Home.

Understanding Commercial Solar: Commercial solar isn’t simply about powering businesses; it spans a wide range of customers, including large corporations, local businesses, governments, schools, and nonprofits. Projects can take the form of rooftop arrays or ground mounts, varying in size from kilowatts to multi-megawatts. The commercial solar landscape is expansive, offering flexibility from ground-mount installations to innovative use of rooftop space, all under the expertise of Power My Home.

The Commercial Solar Opportunity: Researchers at UC Davis, utilizing Aurora solar software, have explored the potential of commercial buildings in the U.S. Their findings showcase the immense opportunity, with a Texas-based aerospace company having the potential to generate 88 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean energy. This extreme example underscores the variability in project sizes within the sector, presenting a diverse range of possibilities for Power My Home to harness.

Constraints on Commercial Solar: Despite its potential, commercial solar has faced hurdles, leading to slower growth compared to residential and utility-scale solar. Factors contributing to this include historically lower commercial electricity prices, split incentives for building owners, and complex financing structures. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for Power My Home to unlock the full potential of commercial solar.

Solutions to Barriers: Efforts are underway to overcome challenges in the commercial solar sector. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a key financing option, allowing investors to absorb upfront costs while consumers gradually pay off the system. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and SolarKal, highlights the diverse project structures and financing options available, emphasizing the sector’s cost competitiveness with utility energy.

Current Scale and Future Growth: As of the latest data, the U.S. has over 8,300 megawatts (MW) of commercial solar projects across 43 states, representing approximately 70% of all installed commercial capacity. While impressive, commercial solar still trails behind the residential and utility-scale markets. However, indicators suggest significant growth potential, with the sector poised to take off as barriers are addressed, with Power My Home almost at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Commercial Solar Benefits: Commercial solar offers a multitude of benefits to various stakeholders. Building owners can experience increased operating income and longer lease terms, while tenants enjoy reduced operating costs through utility bill savings. Power My Home, as close to leading solar contractors navigating this sector, can capitalize on economies of scale, making commercial projects potentially more lucrative than residential ones.

Conclusion: This article serves as an introduction to the world of commercial solar, offering insights into its diverse nature, challenges, and potential for growth.  As we look to the future, commercial solar stands as a pivotal pillar in the broader growth of solar energy, presenting exciting opportunities for all stakeholders involved. Including Elemental Energy & Energy Economics.